Part 2

Reading Passage 2

Read the course descriptions below and answer Questions 15-22

COMMUNITY COLLEGE COURSES

COURSE A

If you have no previous experience with computers, or you have some gaps in your knowledge of the basics, then this is an appropriate course for you. This course will give you a thorough grounding in the fundamental concepts of computing common to all computers. It is a practical ‘hands on’ course that looks at how a computer operates and how the programs work. Using three of the most widely used programs in business, you will learn the basics of word processing, spreadsheets and databases. By the completion of the course you will be productive at a basic level and competent to progress to the elementary level of any of the specialised programs. No previous computer skills assumed.

Duration: 2 days

Fee: $279

Class 25045: Wed/Thurs, 12,13 April, 9.15 am – 5.15 pm

Class 25006:Tues/Wed, 30, 31 May, 9.15 am – 5.15 pm

COURSE B

When dealing with your customers you are in a position of great importance. Your abilities directly influence the company’s bottom line. This course will look at ways to revitalise the customer contact skills you already have and add many more. Learn ways to improve your communication with customers, at all levels, techniques to use with difficult customers, how to confidently handle complaints and keep your cool in stressful situations. Most importantly, you will learn to build goodwill and trust with your customers. Course notes, lunch and refreshments provided.

Tutor: Joshua Smith

Fee: $145

Class 25026: Sat 20 May, 9.00 am – 4.00 pm

COURSE C

Everything you need to know before purchasing or starting a coffee shop, tearoom or small restaurant. A useful course for all aspiring owners, managers and employees of these small businesses to assist them in ensuring they don’t make expensive mistakes and that their customers return again and again. Bring lunch. Notes and manual provided.

Tutor: Sarah Bridge

Fee: $55 (no concession)

Class 25252: Sat 6 May, 10.00 am – 3.00 pm

COURSE D

This course covers three areas of business communication:

• Interpersonal Communication
• Telephone Skills
• Business Writing Skills

Learning Outcomes: At the end of the course, participants will be able to effectively: plan and write workplace documents in plain English; gather, record and convey information using the telephone and in a face-to-face situation; and interact with clients within and external to the workplace about routine matters using the telephone and face-to-face contact. An excellent course for those entering or returning to the workforce. A Statement of Competency is issued if the assessment requirements are successfully completed.

Tutor: Douglass McDougall

Fee: $135

Class 25021: Wed 3 May-21 June, 7-00 – 9.00 pm

COURSE E

Are you hating work, wanting a different job, needing a change or wanting a promotion? Come along to a new two-day program for women. We will explore your work goals and what holds you back; your fears in a work environment and how you handle them; your image and what it says to others; and your communication style and what it says. You will develop more confidence to make changes, get clearer about what you want and have the courage to act. It is a relaxed, informative and fun workshop with tots of practical tips!

Tutor: Sophie Bradley

Fee: $199

Class 25036: Sun 18, 25 June, 9.30 am – 4.30 pm

Read the text below and answer Questions 23-27.

PLANNING YOUR CAREER PATH

It is not uncommon for people today to have three, four or even five different careers over the span of their working life. While this may suit some personalities, others may regard such a situation as disastrous. For the latter, taking the time to plan a career path can help to make an informed choice and avoid disappointment in the future.

There are several steps to consider in the career planning process.

PERSONAL ASSESSMENT

Making a profile of who you are as a person will start the ball rolling. This involves determining the kinds of tasks you excel in. Are you good at calculating, designing, computer programming or maybe working with your hands? It also means deciding on the things you want from a career, such as long-term security, prospects of growth, flexible working hours or a good salary.

CAREER OPTIONS

Searching web sites, scanning newspapers and magazines, and talking to friends and relatives allow you to learn about different career fields. It is also good to get first hand knowledge from people working in the field, giving you the added benefit of their experience. Matching up your personal attributes with the features and requisites of the various jobs helps, at this preliminary stage, to narrow down more suitable career choices.

CAREER PATHWAY

In the next phase of the process, it is important to set some career goals because achieving these will lead to ultimate satisfaction and personal fulfilment from your chosen job down the track.

When setting goals you should think about career growth, earning potential and professional development.

These factors should be considered from the perspective of what is achievable long-term versus what can be feasibly reached in the short-term. Putting a timeframe on your goals draws a career pathway and maximises your career potential. For example, seeking a position in which there is potential to assume a managerial role is a goal that could be reached in a three year period, while aiming for the top job of Chief Executive Officer (CEO) is more realistically a long-term objective.

ACTING ON DECISIONS

Looking into prospective jobs and employers and contacting them is your next step. It is best to send a resume which is accompanied by a covering letter.

Question 15-19

From the list of course titles below, choose the most suitable title for Courses A-E.

Write the correct number, i-ix, in boxes 15-19 on your answer sheet.

NB: There are more titles than you will need.

15.iiiiiiivvviviiviiiix Course A

16.iiiiiiivvviviiviiiix Course B

17.iiiiiiivvviviiviiiix Course C

18.iiiiiiivvviviiviiiix Course D

19.iiiiiiivvviviiviiiix Course E

Questions 20-22

Complete the sentences below.

Choose NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS from the text for each answer; Write your answers in boxes 20-22 on your answer sheet.

Improving one’s communication skills can help ease 20 situations when dealing with difficult clients.

Your ability to effectively communicate in a variety of situations not only with internal clients but those 21 to the work environment is assessed on the course.

The focus is on exploring issues relating to your personal growth in the workplace and building 22 to bring about changes.

Questions 23-27

Complete the flow chart below.

Choose NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS from the passage for each answer.

Write your answers in boxes 23-27 on your answer sheet.